Wondered what an occupational therapy assessment and session looks like for children? If you’re planning to bring your child to see an occupational therapist, here’s a quick guide on what to expect for your first visit, so that you can come to the session prepared!
What is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) is a specialised form of rehabilitation that is focused on helping individuals of all ages to improve their ability to perform daily activities and tasks.
In the context of children, occupational therapy aims to enhance their independence and safety in various aspects of life, such as self-care, academics, and play. By providing children and their families with the necessary tools and strategies, occupational therapy enables them to overcome challenges and thrive in their daily lives.
The Importance of Occupational Therapy Evaluation
Before commencing any occupational therapy intervention, an evaluation is conducted to assess the child’s strengths, weaknesses, and specific needs. The evaluation process varies depending on the child’s age, diagnosis, and rehabilitation goals. During the evaluation, the occupational therapist utilises various methods and tools to gain insights into the child’s abilities and develop a personalised treatment plan.
Occupational Therapy Assessment for Children Ages 0-4 Years
For infants and toddlers, the evaluation focuses on assessing their developmental skills, vision, strength, and neurologic function. These areas play a crucial role in a child’s ability to engage in activities that promote learning, growth, and play. The occupational therapist evaluates fine motor skills, visual motor skills, and gross motor skills to gain a comprehensive understanding of the child’s abilities.
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills involve the use of small muscles, particularly in the hands and fingers, to perform tasks like writing, eating, grasping, and buttoning clothes.
The therapist may observe the child’s fine motor skills by watching them complete tasks such as putting beads onto a string.
Standardised assessments, such as the 9 Hole-Peg Test or the Box and Blocks Test, may be used to evaluate fine motor coordination and strength.
Visual Motor Skills
Assessments like the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor-Integration or the Bell Cancellation Test may be employed to evaluate visual motor skills.
Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills involve the coordinated movements of large muscle groups in the arms, legs, and trunk.
The therapist may assess gross motor skills by observing activities such as crawling, walking, running, and throwing and catching a ball.
These skills are crucial for a child’s physical development and overall mobility.
Age-Appropriate Self-Care Skills
Self-care skills, including feeding, dressing, brushing teeth, toileting, and bathing, are essential for a child’s independence and personal hygiene.
The occupational therapist evaluates the child’s proficiency in these activities and provides recommendations to support their development.
By assessing a child’s self-care skills in comparison to peers of the same age, the therapist can identify areas for improvement and implement appropriate interventions.
Occupational Therapy Assessment for Children Ages 5 and Up
When evaluating children and teenagers, the focus shifts towards assessing the skills necessary for everyday activities at home, school, and within the community. The occupational therapist conducts interviews with both the child and their parents to gain insights into the child’s ability to independently perform daily tasks.
This comprehensive evaluation helps the therapist understand the child’s unique needs and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.
Daily Task Performance
The therapist engages in conversations with the child and caregivers to gather information about the child’s level of assistance required for tasks such as dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming, and eating.
The child’s performance in school and play activities is also assessed to identify any challenges or areas for improvement.
Understanding the child’s interests and motivators is essential for developing effective intervention strategies.
Task Performance Assessments
Following the interview, the occupational therapist administers various tasks and assessments to identify limitations and areas of concern.
These assessments may include evaluating fine motor skills, visual motor skills, gross motor skills, and other relevant areas of function.
The therapist might request the child to perform tasks like handwriting samples or engage in specific activities to assess their functional abilities.
Other Areas Assessed in an Occupational Therapy Visit
Occupational therapy evaluations encompass a wide range of areas to comprehensively assess a child’s functional capabilities. Some other key areas that may be evaluated during an occupational therapy visit include:
Activity Tolerance
Activity tolerance refers to a child’s energy level and their ability to engage in daily activities without excessive fatigue.
The therapist assesses the child’s energy levels, identifies any limitations, and determines if additional rest periods or accommodations are necessary.
Questionnaires and observation of the child’s activity levels may be used to gain insights into their activity tolerance.
Musculoskeletal Function
The therapist evaluates the function of muscles and joints, measuring upper body strength and assessing muscle tone.
Through these assessments, the therapist can identify any limitations or concerns related to musculoskeletal function.
Sensation
Sensation assessment involves determining the child’s ability to detect pressure, touch, and temperature.
The therapist may perform tests to evaluate the child’s sensory perception, such as asking them to close their eyes and identify sensations on their skin.
Functional Cognition
Assessment of functional cognition involves evaluating the child’s thinking and processing skills in various contexts, including self-care, school, and play.
The therapist assesses the child’s ability to follow directions, solve problems, and complete tasks independently.
Functional cognitive skills are observed during activities like following a recipe or engaging in problem-solving tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Occupational Therapy Evaluation
How long does an occupational therapy evaluation take?
The duration of an occupational therapy evaluation typically ranges from 30 minutes to an hour. However, initial evaluations may require additional time to gather comprehensive information for developing a personalised treatment plan.
Is the parent or family caregiver present throughout the evaluation?
The presence of parents or family caregivers during the evaluation is typically decided by the family. Parents are often encouraged to stay for the interview portion to provide valuable information about the child’s home environment and routines.
Is a doctor’s referral necessary for occupational therapy?
Yes, a doctor’s referral is generally required to commence occupational therapy services. This referral can be provided by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
Does insurance cover the cost of an occupational therapy evaluation?
Coverage for occupational therapy evaluations varies among insurance providers. To obtain accurate information about coverage, it is best to directly contact your insurance provider. Alternatively, you may check out this list of government subsidies and interventions for children with special needs.
What should a child wear to an occupational therapy session?
Children should wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement during occupational therapy sessions. It is recommended to choose clothing that is suitable for various activities and tasks.
What should be brought to an occupational therapy evaluation visit?
For the initial evaluation visit, there is typically no specific requirement for bringing any items. However, in follow-up visits, the therapist may request the child to bring specific items such as splints or assistive devices if necessary.
Are there any special considerations for teens or young adults in occupational therapy?
When evaluating adolescents and young adults, occupational therapists may include additional assessments and considerations tailored to their age group. These may include evaluating skills related to work, school, driving, cooking, and other activities of daily living.
Occupational therapy plays a vital role in empowering children to achieve independence and success in their daily lives.
Through comprehensive evaluations, occupational therapists gain valuable insights into a child’s abilities and specific needs, allowing them to develop personalised treatment plans. By addressing various areas of function, such as fine motor skills, gross motor skills, visual skills, and cognition, occupational therapy helps children overcome challenges and thrive in their daily activities.
With the support and guidance of occupational therapists, children can develop the necessary skills to live fulfilling and independent lives.
